Wading boot sole

ABSTRACT

A wading boot sole in accordance with the present invention is designed like the top of a rock, allowing a person to use metal cleats recessed in the boot so as to avoid walking on the metal when walking from different fishing spots. An inner sole holds the boot together and acts as a mounting surface for the cleat base of the cleats in addition to providing a solid base for the boot. Gussets improve the strength of the cleat assembly. An outer bottom rim sole acts as the walking surface when not in the water, providing a smooth ride without sacrificing traction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/473,971 filed on Apr. 11, 2011 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previous tread designs are flat on the bottom, which make wading difficult and dangerous. Felt bottom boots are common but help transport invasive aquatic species which can destroy a river. Newer designs have incorporated metal studs in a rubber sole but wear out fast. A need exists for eliminating felt but offering the most traction without wear when walking down a dirt road or any other surface than the river bottom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The soles in accordance with the present invention are designed like the top of a rock, allowing a person to use metal cleats recessed in the boot so as to avoid walking on the metal when walking from different fishing spots. An inner sole holds the boot together. It acts as a mounting surface for the cleat base of the cleats. It also provides a solid base for the boot. An outer sole acts as the walking surface when not in the water. It provides a smooth ride without sacrificing fraction which is the most important aspect of a wading boot. Furthermore, it also keeps the teeth on the cleats from wearing out. The cleat base of the cleats mounts to the inner sole. This makes a solid connection and, as one piece, prevents the cleats from folding over. The angle supports or gussets improve the strength of the cleat assembly. The cleat assembly and the pattern in which they are arranged are necessary to make this product work. Cleat curves are intended to match the contour of river rocks, which are round not flat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the invention item 10 primary embodiment sole assembly intentionally omitting component 34 rubber matting for clarity.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the invention item 10 primary embodiment sole assembly illustrating component 22 cleat member only.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective exploded view of the invention item 10 primary embodiment sole assembly illustrated intentionally omitting component 34 rubber matting for clarity.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the invention item 10 primary embodiment sole assembly intentionally omitting component 34 rubber matting for clarity.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the invention item 10 primary embodiment sole assembly illustrated with component 34 rubber matting.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the invention item 36 secondary embodiment sole assembly intentionally omitting component 34 rubber matting for clarity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the invention item 36 secondary embodiment sole assembly illustrated with component 34 rubber matting.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view shown in use.

FIG. 10 illustrates a section detail view of the invention along line 10-10 in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a design for a wading boot sole 10 for fishing to provide maximum traction on slick river bottoms and eliminate the transfer of aquatic species. The sole 10 comprises an outer bottom rim sole 14 and an inner sole 16. The inner sole 16 comprises a plurality of elongate cleat members 22 having first and second ends and including a base portion 30, a grip portion 28 formed at an angle relative to the base portion 30 and first and second gussets 32 formed at the first and second ends and extending between the base portion 30 and the grip portion 28. The grip portions 28 include a row of teeth extending along the grip portion 28 between the first and second ends. The plurality of elongate cleat members 22 extend approximately parallel and spaced apart from one another as seen in the FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8. As seen in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, the plurality of base portions 30 of the elongate cleat members 22 are surrounded by a matting 34 having top and bottom surfaces and preferably made from rubber.

Cleat members 22 will be comprised of one of the materials selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, niobium carbide, carbon steel. In some embodiments, the dimensions will be 1/64″ to ⅜″ thick, 1/16″ to 4″ wide, and 1″ to 8″ long. Cleat members 22 will span the total width of inner sole 16. They will be a half-circle shape, from 1 degree radius to a 90 degree radius, or run straight. Members 22 vary from 1/16″ to 2″ in height. Cleat base 30 will be the mounting plate to attach the cleats to the inner sole 16 or frame members 26 by weld. The dimensions will be 1/16″ to ⅜″ thick, 1/16″ to 4″ wide. Between 1 and 100 teeth will be formed per grip member 28. Gussets 32 will be placed on the outside edge of the cleat members 22 and in the middle on the opposite side of the cleat members 22. The dimensions will be 1/64″ to ⅜″ thick, 1/32″ to 1½″ wide, 1/16″ to 1½″ long, and 5 degrees to 80 degree angle. They will act as supports for the cleat members 22.

The inner sole 16 also comprises a plurality of elongate frame members 26 extending generally perpendicular to the elongate cleat members 22. The plurality of elongate frame members 26 are also surrounded by the rubber matting 34 which includes a plurality of boot drainage holes 24 formed therein. The elongate frame members 26 act as a mount and cross-brace for cleat base members 30. The cleat frame members 26 will be comprised of one of the materials selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, niobium carbide, carbon steel. The dimensions will be ⅛″ to 5″ wide, 1/64″ to ¼″ thick. Length will depend on boot size. They will be positioned either horizontal, or parallel to the outer bottom rim sole 14. In some embodiments, the frame members 26 are not present. As seen in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, the of elongate frame members 26 are also preferably surrounded by matting 34.

An outer bottom rim sole 14 surrounds the matting 34 and is defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the outer bottom rim sole 14 is spaced apart from the top surface of the matting 34 in a first direction and the bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole 14 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the matting 34 in a second direction which is opposite from the first direction. A plurality of metal studs 18 are formed on the bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole 14.

The outer bottom rim sole 14 provides a walking platform for use other than the river bottom. Where the recess at the matting 34 allows the cleat teeth to be protected when walking down the highway or dirt road. The cleat members 22 may be welded to the inner sole 16 that would be the shape of the recessed part of the sole and tit up inside the outer bottom rim sole 14.

The bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole 14 is spaced apart from the row of teeth in a first direction such that when the bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole 14 is placed on a foreign surface, the teeth are spaced apart from the foreign surface to prevent scratching thereof and to prevent dulling of the teeth.

The dimensions for the inner sole 16 will be 1/64″ to 1″ thick, and shaped to match the bottom of the boot. It will act as a mounting platform for the cleat members 22. There will be ⅛″ to 1″ holes 24 cut in the inner sole 16 and covered from the backside with PVC reinforced mesh to allow the water to drain from the bottom of the boot.

The outer bottom rim sole 14 will be comprised of rubber. The dimensions will be ⅛″ to 2½″ wide, ⅛″ to 2½″ thick, and wrap around the whole outside of the boot. This will act as the walking surface when a user is out of the water. There will also be from 1 to 30 studs 18, comprising of one of materials selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, niobium carbide, carbon steel, spaced as desired in the outer bottom rim sole 14 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8. Outer sole 14 of rubber.

In construction, first the inner sole 16 would be cut and shaped to match the bottom of the boot 12. Then holes would be cut in the inner sole 16 at the desired places and covered with PVC reinforced mesh from the top side, so it is sandwiched between the bottom of the boot and the inner sole 16. Next the cleat members 22 are cut to size and the teeth are cut out. Then the cleat members 22 can be welded to the inner sole 16 in the desired pattern. Then the gussets 32 should be inserted in their desired spots and welded. Next the outer bottom rim sole 14 will be molded out of rubber and the studs 18 inserted in their desired positions. Then the whole outer bottom rim sole 14 will be pressed on the bottom of the boot. Then rubber matting 34 will be inlayed over the inner sole 16 to protect the cleat base 30 and gussets 32 from rocks.

In some embodiments, the cleat members 22 are replaceable. To use the invention, a user places the soles on their feet to cross the slickest river bottom. It would be excellent for older people who enjoy fly-fishing.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A wading boot sole to provide maximum traction on slick river bottoms eliminate the transfer of invasive aquatic species, comprising: a plurality of elongate cleat members having first and second ends and including: a base portion; a grip portion formed at an angle relative to said base portion; first and second gussets formed at said first and second ends and extending between said base portion and said grip portion; wherein said grip portion includes a row of teeth extending along said grip portion between said first and second ends; said plurality of elongate cleat members extending approximately parallel and spaced apart from one another; wherein some of said elongate cleat members are straight and some are curved; a plurality f elongate frame member extending generally perpendicular to said elongate cleat members; an inner sole; said plurality of base portions of said elongate cleat members and said plurality of elongate frame members being surrounded by a matting having top and bottom surfaces; said matting and said inner sole including a plurality of boot drainage holes formed therein; an outer bottom rim sole surrounding said matting; wherein said outer bottom rim sole is defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein said top surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said top surface of said matting in a first direction and said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said bottom surface of said matting in a second direction opposite said first direction; a plurality of metal studs formed on said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole; wherein said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said row of teeth in a first direction such that when the bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is placed on a foreign surface, said teeth are spaced apart from said foreign surface.
 2. A wading boot sole to provide maximum traction on slick river bottoms and eliminate the transfer of invasive aquatic species, comprising: a plurality of elongate cleat members having first and second ends and including a plurality of teeth; said plurality said elongate cleat members being at least partially surrounded by a matting having top and bottom surfaces; an outer bottom rim sole surrounding said matting; wherein said outer bottom rim sole is defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said row of teeth in a first direction such that when the bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is placed on a foreign surface, said teeth are spaced apart from said foreign surface.
 3. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 2 wherein said elongate cleat members further include: a base portion; a grip portion formed at an angle relative to said base portion; first and second gussets formed at said first and second ends and extending between said base portion and said grip portion; wherein said teeth are formed in a row extending along said grip portion between said first and second ends; said plurality of elongate cleat members extending approximately parallel and spaced apart from one another.
 4. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 3 wherein: said base portion of said cleat members is surrounded by said matting and said teeth are exposed.
 5. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 4 wherein: said top surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said top surface of said matting in a first direction and said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said bottom surface of said matting in a second direction opposite said first direction.
 6. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising: a plurality of elongate frame members extending generally perpendicular to said elongate cleat members.
 7. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 6 wherein: said plurality of elongate frame members are also surrounded by said matting.
 8. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said matting includes a plurality of boot drainage holes formed therein.
 9. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising: a plurality of metal studs formed on said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole.
 10. The wading boot sole as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said top surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said top surface of said matting in a first direction and said bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole is spaced apart from said bottom surface of said rubber matting in a second direction opposite said first direction. 